The Music of Life [Paperback]

Khan (Author), Hazrat Inayat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998

Teachings on sound presenting a vision of the harmony which underlies and infuses every aspect of life. Science of breath, law of rhythm, the creative process, healing power and psychological influence of music.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Hazrat Inayat Kahn, founder of the Sufi order in the West, was born in India in 1882. A master of classical Indian music by the age of twenty, he relinquished a brilliant career to devote himself to the spiritual path. In 1920, acting upon the guidance of his teacher, he became one of the first teachers of the Sufi tradition in the West. For a decade and a half he travelled throughout Europe and the US giving lectures and guiding an ever-growing group of seekers. In 1926, he returned to India where he died the following year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 353 pages
• Publisher: Omega Publications; 2nd edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093087238X
• ISBN-13: 978-0930872380
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #578,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Musicians, Appliable to All., March 16, 2006

By 

Metafunk (Philadelphia Metro) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Music of Life (Paperback)

This is a book that contains so much wisdom that it must be read more than once. For any musician who feels there is a spiritual component to what they do, this book is inspirational, thought-provoking, and illuminating. Ultimately, the concepts are universal and can be applied by anyone. It seems that Khan's concept of Sufi mysticism eschews specific religious orientation and instead utilizes the common threads between all of the world's spiritual traditions to illustrate his points. This is a must-read for anyone looking to broaden their perspective, challenge their long-held beliefs, prioritize their lives and understand their true nature. I'm not a New Ager or self-improvement junkie. I just think this is an excellent book.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful exposition of the voice, breath, and music, October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Music of Life (Paperback)

Hazrat Khan a Sufi master and musician wrote a clear, simple, and fascinating read of music, the voice, breath, and healing from the point of view of a mystic, but encompassing scientific aspects as well.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Musical Mysticism, May 19, 2007

By 

Neal J. Pollock (VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Music of Life (Paperback)

This is a Sufi, mystical view of music & art, but, p. iv. "much of the material in this book originally appeared in...`The Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan.' Additional sections were taken from...unpublished lectures." The author, leader of Western Sufism (after moving from India) & guru to Samuel Lewis, alludes to many religions (in a positive way) but IMHO emphasizes India & extols Sanskrit. Since Moslem Pakistan was part of India under British rule, the author was more acquainted with Islam, Hinduism, & Christianity. He infers that Sufism is more universal than religions, & he has a positive view of science.

His descriptions of vibration are reminiscent of Rosicrucian teachings. He points out the similarity between the words Sufi & Sofia (Wisdom) & shares some profound insights & well-turned phrases, e.g.:
p. 161: "Psychology is the higher alchemy, & one must not study it only without practicing it.
p. 231: There is a saying among the Hindus that the tree that bears much fruit bows low.
p. 305: Balance is life & the lack of it is death. p. 318: Many live & few think." Tibetan Buddhist teachings describe mind as being like a mirror; IMHO he improves on this metaphor: pp. 238-9: "A reflector is needed behind the light in order to direct the light fully...Psychologically, the power of mind must act as a reflector." Further, p. 245: "There is a saying, `What you are speaks louder than what you say'" which I had heard 1st on The Mary Tyler Moore show on TV many years ago.

He's also practical & down-to-earth--p. 280: "A person who does not get angry once in a while does not live. It is human to have all kinds of minor faults; the joy is in overcoming these faults." Despite its beauty & profundity, this book does, IMHO, have some faults as well. In his great enthusiasm, the author frequently uses hyperbole, over-generalizes, inserts superstitious beliefs, & violates the Non-Allness Principle (i.e. uses words like "all, always, never, every"--such that a single exception negates an assertion: e.g. one albino elephant negates the statement `all elephants are gray'). Nevertheless, his apparent naiveté can be endearing. Overall, this is a valuable book for mystically minded folk esp. for someone interested in the mystical/spiritual value of music (singing, playing & dancing) & the arts.